Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor)

Mic★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

Very cool! A nice train ride up and down. Make sure you get a seat. And by the window is great. My trip started out beautiful, mostly sunny.. Got to the top and it got a little more cloudy and the clouds came and went so there were some good photos. If it’s a partly sunny/partly cloudy day it may be be beneficial to hang around up there for a little while and try to get the nice shots. All the staff were very helpful and patient. I recommend it, but you may try to go early in the day if it’s it looks to be a nice day. And pick a day that doesn’t appear to be too busy. I have a super lightweight folding camp chair that packs down into a small bundle I should’ve brought it.

Kurosuke★★★★★★★★★★4.02 weeks ago

I spontaneously took a taxi from Copacabana to visit. It's easily accessible by a dedicated trolley. I haven't studied history, but I was able to contemplate the thoughts of the people who built this colossal statue. The view of the townscape, including the sea, is magnificent. It's a little disappointing that it gets so crowded with tourists, but I think it's worth visiting.

Ron James★★★★★★★★★★5.06 months ago

Our Rio shore excursion was a big one—18 fellow cruisers packed onto a minivan for a nine-hour adventure. Mary and I were the last ones aboard and ended up in the last row, right above the rear axle. On Rio’s rough, often cobblestone roads, that meant an unexpected E-ticket ride—free thrills with every pothole. It also meant we could barely hear the guide, so most of the commentary drifted off somewhere in the middle rows. That said the tour was an amazing refresh of our last visit here a decade ago. We started at the top—literally—with Christ the Redeemer. Thankfully, they now have a combination of van shuttles, elevators, and escalators to reach the base, so there wasn’t much climbing to reach its perch 2,300 above the sea. The weather was warm with a slight breeze, perfect for taking in the panoramic views. A far cry from our last visit, when the towering limestone statue was swallowed in fog and only the feet were visible. This time, the Christo and Rio, stretched out below us in every direction, sparkled in the sunlight. Next, we visited Rio’s astounding Metropolitan Cathedral, a concrete modernist marvel shaped like an enormous pyramid or Mayan temple. Inside, soaring stained-glass panels climb 200 feet to a skylight cross. Stark on the outside, breathtaking within, especially with a Brazilian-flavored nativity scene. From there, we continued on to the famous Escadaria Selarón, the riot of colorful tile created by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón as a tribute to his adopted country. Every tile, mural, and mosaic along those 215 steps tells a story, ranging from discovery by the Portuguese to life in the favelas or slums. Chaotic, joyful, and uniquely Rio, today it is a stage for visitors who pose and preen on its stacked pedestals. Afterward, we refueled with a traditional Brazilian BBQ—grilled, carved meats and enough sides to keep an army happy. Mary added a very strong caipirinha, a limey Brazilian cocktail to her lunch, and I consumed two icy beers. Suddenly fatigue from the hours of touring faded and the afternoon turned festive. Our final major stop was iconic Sugarloaf Mountain thrust 1300 feet above the sea. We ascended by cable car, just as storm clouds gathered over the bay, famous Copacabana beach, and seaview high-rises. Lightning flashed in the distance and the wind howled as we snapped a couple selfies before rushing back to the cable cars to avoid the pelting rain. By the time we made it back to the van, we were soaked—an authentic Rio adventure whether we asked for it or not. Along the way to and from the cruise pprt, we observed Rio’s many contrasts. Crumbling graffiti-covered blocks beside beautifully preserved neoclassical gems. Hillsides climbing with favelas, colorful and complicated, each one a reminder of Rio’s economic realities. Our 12-thousand step excursion was long and exhausting—but also exciting, unpredictable, and absolutely memorable. Rio gave us clear skies, wild weather, strong drinks, and a vivid tour of a city bursting with beauty, contradictions, and life.

Atiq Rehman★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

Breathtaking views! A lovely but scary train ride up but once you’re at the top, it’s simply fantastic! A clear sunny day helps and you get close to the flying vultures above.

al patel★★★★★★★★★★5.03 weeks ago

One of the world wonders fantastic views from the top. Will need to buy tickets for a certain time they will ask for passport info. Arrive 20mins earlier there are many stairs at the top. There are escalators by the train.